Flying with Pets vs. Service Animals: What Airlines Owe You
Flying with animals can be complicated. Whether you're traveling with a beloved pet or a trained service animal, the rules aren't just different—they can affect where your animal can go, how it's treated, and what rights you have if something goes wrong.
The short answer? Yes, airlines must accommodate service animals—and pets, to a degree—but the rules are strict, and mistakes happen.
Here’s what the law says, what you’re entitled to, and what you can do if an airline mishandles your situation.
What Counts as a Pet vs. a Service Animal?
Service animals are defined under U.S. law as dogs individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with a disability. Emotional support animals no longer count as service animals on most airlines—they’re treated as pets.
Pets include any domesticated animals (usually dogs or cats) flying for companionship, not for disability support. Airlines treat them as cargo, not as people’s rights—so the legal protections are very different.
Rules for Flying with Pets
Airlines can—and do—charge extra fees for pets, sometimes $75–$200 per flight segment. Your pet may have to ride in the cabin (if small enough and in a carrier) or be checked as cargo.
The airline’s obligations? Minimal.
They must follow basic animal welfare rules, like temperature controls, but if your pet gets sick, injured, or lost in transit, your ability to claim damages is limited. Airlines often make you sign a waiver absolving them of liability.
There are weight, breed, and seasonal restrictions, and if your pet is denied boarding at the gate due to policy, you may be stuck with a nonrefundable ticket.
Rules for Service Animals
Service animals are protected by the Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability and requires free use and access to their service animal. That means:
Airlines must allow your service animal to accompany you in the cabin.
You cannot be charged extra fees for traveling with a service animal.
You must submit a DOT Service Animal Transportation Form prior to travel, declaring that your dog is trained, vaccinated, and under control.
If your service animal is denied boarding or improperly handled, you may be entitled to compensation—especially if it interferes with your travel or access to services.
What You’ll Need to Prove Your Case
Whether it’s a denied boarding, lost pet in cargo, or discrimination against a service dog, documentation is your best defense. Here’s what to do:
Before You Fly:
Review your airline’s pet and service animal policies.
If traveling with a service animal, submit the DOT form ahead of time.
Keep vet records, vaccination proof, and any training certification on hand.
If Something Goes Wrong:
Get it in writing: If you're denied boarding or made to move seats because of your animal, ask for a written incident report and a claim reference number.
File a complaint: Start with the airline. Most have an accessibility desk.
Escalate if needed: You can file with the DOT’s Aviation Consumer Protection Division, or have us complain for you.
What Airlines Won’t Cover
Be aware: airlines generally don’t compensate you for:
Stress, emotional distress, or inconvenience (there can be circumstances where this does apply, however)
Damage to pet carriers or accessories
Medical bills for pets (unless caused by clear airline negligence)
Denied boarding due to breed or weight restrictions (if outlined in the policy)
What If the Airline Violated the Law?
If your service animal was denied boarding, or if you were treated unfairly because of your disability, you may have a legal claim. You can:
File a DOT complaint
Send a demand letter to the airline requesting compensation
Pursue legal action in small claims court if your rights were violated
Need help writing a demand letter? That’s where Airclaim Legal Services PLLC comes in.
Know the Difference. Know Your Rights.
Airlines are not required to treat pets and service animals the same. If your animal was denied boarding, injured in cargo, or used to justify discriminatory treatment—you may be owed compensation.
Don’t assume the airline will do the right thing on its own. Document everything, speak up, and know your rights.
We help travelers demand fair treatment—without hiring expensive lawyers or navigating federal regs alone.
Know Your Rights. Speak Up. Fly Fair.
Whether you’re flying with a furry companion or a trained service animal, don’t let airlines ignore your rights. If you’ve been wronged, we’re here to help.
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